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Kenley Jansen explained early Red Sox departure, Alex Cora confirmed it was a ‘manager’s decision’

As the Red Sox 2024 season came to an end over the weekend, one of the team’s leading figures was conspicuously absent from the final series against the Rays.

Closer Kenley Jansen, the 37-year-old four-time All-Star, had already been sent “home” according to manager Alex Cora (the original report came from Chris Cotillo of MassLive). Jansen was placed on the injured list before that, meaning that he would not pitch again during the season.

Still, his absence drew the disappointment of teammates, per Red Sox reporter Sean McAdam.

“Multiple players, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity, registered their disappointment over Jansen’s early departure, though one added: ‘I can’t say I’m too surprised,'” McAdam wrote.